Wisdom from Yoda

This explains why yesterday I found myself with my family watching the “Star Wars” series. We started with movies one and two, which for someone who grew up in the ’80’s really is backwards.

Since Christmas daughter, Mariah, started recording quotes from books, movies, etc. on her I-touch. I love it, because it has really gotten me thinking of each line in a movie, rather than just the picture as a whole.

Yesterday, the great line came from Yoda. “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

If you look at just the first noun and jump to the last, it really seems as if there wouldn’t be a connection. Fear doesn’t usually cause suffering, but that’s not how it works. Fear leads to anger; fear of the unknown, fear of what we cannot control; fear that others may be right and we may be wrong.

Anger opens up all kinds of new issues; primarily an open door to hatred and ultimately bitterness. Once we hate, the gateway to suffering is invitable. Suffering for those around us and for ourselves.

Today when I read, “…and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” in Luke 2:14, I thought of how God’s peace is the only thing that elevates fear. His peace, which ultimately comes from trusting in Him, crowds out the fear. In fact, perfect love casts OUT fear we’re told in 1 John 4:18.

It’s the one thing that this world can’t offer. I didn’t see it written in yesterday’s newspaper ads. I won’t see it in the Super Bowl commercials this weekend. There is not one ounce of peace any where on this planet that the world can truly offer to me, but man do I need it!

Lord, I need Your peace. I need Your peace to drive out fear; to replace fear with a trust in You. Help me to run to you when fear is slipping in…

What in your life is causing fear to spring up? I’d love to pray with you and by sharing, you just might open the door for someone else to be encouraged as well. Just click on “comments” below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments

I hate to say it, but money has been the thing to make me anxious, and worry. And the larger picture, the economy. I'm only 23, and yet to have a family, but when I see the uncertainty of our country and economy, I can't help but think of it. I think it becomes hindering! God has been working in me certainly to trust He will provide, and to remember not too be anxious for today is sufficient enough! ^___^

Danni Marie, I think many would say the same thing! Lately I have been studying God as my father. I find it so comforting because one thing a father does is provide. He promises us that if he can take care of the birds of the air, how much more will he take care of us! When we walk in His ways, we can trust that He will lead where He will provide! Thanks for sharing…you're in my prayers today!Lynn

Let me start by saying the other week God gave me a title for a message "From Fear to Faith". Right now fear is winning. Last week my church had our Eastern and Southern States Council. I was going to go because it was at my church but fear took over. I had several fears. The fear of not nowing who from my church would be there who I could hang with. The fear of feeling like I'd be a burden to someone if I found a friend who would have let me hang with them. The fear of asking for help if I needed it. Especially when I don't know who I'm talking to. I brought this up because on Feb. 13 my church is having a single's mixer and a friend asked if I was going to come. She even said she'd pick me up. I want to go but fear is getting in the way. It's the same fear of feeling like I'll be a burden to someone because I may need help with something at some point and I still have the fear of asking for help when I don't know who I'm talking to. There is a new fear with this situation. That is the fear of not knowing what to talk about and feeling out of place. Maybe I'm just being crazy but these are fears I've had most of my life. I think being blind plays a part in all this. I want God to remove these fears and replace them with faith. I want to be able to get more involved with church activities and perhaps make a few friends in the process who will talk to me outside of church.

I have been in fear of my health…and work…I clean homes for a living and it has gotten very slow…and so when I do not work I have no get up and go…so I then sit all day and do nothing but smoke…I have asked several others to PRAY for me,my husband Matthew and a friend of ours Kim. We have set the date for Valentine's day to quit smoking…I also have back problems and teeth problems and I am 51 with no insurance and no extra money…I thank GOD for you and for your prayers.

Father,You see what Karen is up against. You are more than aware and You promise that You are able to bring complete freedom and provision. As Karen submits to You and looks to You for strength, wisdom, motivation and deliverance, meet her, Lord in a very powerful name.Because of WHO You are!Amen

Jennifer,I cannot possibly understand the fears you experience, friend! I do know that the Lord wants for you to have fellowship and deep friendships with others and that can only happen as you venture out.Father,Break the fear that tries to have a hold on Jennifer. Give her Holy Spirit inspired determination to reach out. Cover her when she feels uncomfortable. Be her companion when she enters a room and guide her to those who carry Your love and heart.In Your Amazing, powerful name,Amen!